Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
I am speaking for the World Medical Association, member of the World Health Professions Alliance, which represents 41 million dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians and physiotherapists.
Climate change is a global health emergency that requires a strong health workforce to secure everyone's health now and in the future. Yet global health is facing major budget cuts and a health workforce shortage. The focus must thus be on cost-effective measures and improving resilience. We underscore the key health benefits of investing in climate change strategies, such as improving air quality.
We welcome the Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health and urge Member States to prioritise measures to support adaptation and mitigation, and to involve health professionals in the plan’s implementation.
Urgent action is needed, including the phasing out of fossil fuels, to reduce the health burden of climate-related diseases and protect future generations.
Thank you.